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(Sonoma Water) and become a Community Engagement Program Specialist!
The Sonoma Water Community Engagement Program Specialist is responsible for promoting awareness of Sonoma Water projects and programs by coordinating and planning outreach campaigns and events. This position also assists in the planning and implementation of community relations information and related activities. Additional responsibilities include:
- Implementing quagga/zebra mussel prevention programming at Lake Sonoma and Lake Mendocino
- Coordinating Community Engagement Programs at the Lake Sonoma visitors center
- Researching and supporting grant funding opportunities to support mussel prevention and community education programs
- Preparing and distributing literature and other materials, including developing graphic designs
- Responding to telephone and other general inquiries
- Some experience planning and implementing public outreach campaigns, such as quagga/zebra mussel prevention
- Knowledge of mussel prevention best management practices, including grant funded programs that support mussel prevention efforts
- Involvement in coordinating complex projects and programs with other public agencies and partners
- A strong work ethic and the ability to manage multiple, competing priorities
- An understanding of digital media, and some experience developing and implementing social media campaigns
- Excellent writing skills, including a command of English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation
- Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
- The desire to be part of a high-functioning team and have a sense of humor
Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you're working to better our communities. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits* including:
- Hybrid Telework - A schedule that meets the needs of our staff, department operations, and the communities we serve may be available depending on the assignment
- Salary Advancement - A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
- Career Advancement - With time and good performance, the opportunity for advancement to Water Agency Programs Specialist II (annual salary up to $114,395)
- Paid Time Off - Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
- County Paid Health Premium Contributions - 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
- Staff Development/Wellness Pay - Annual benefit allowances of up to $500 and ongoing education/training opportunities
- Post-Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement - County contributions to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits
- Retirement - A pension fully integrated with Social Security
- Paid Parental Leave - May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment
- Student Loan Debt Relief – County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education
- Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found in the Service Employees International Union Local 1021 Memorandum Of Understanding (SEIU MOU) and our Employee Benefits Directory.
About Sonoma Water
Sonoma Water is a special district formed by the California State Legislature in 1949 and is responsible for providing a safe and reliable water supply to its customers in Sonoma and Marin counties. Sonoma Water also maintains 75 miles of flood control channels and provides sanitation services. Employing approximately 250 employees, Sonoma Water consists of four divisions including Engineering & Resource Planning, Environmental Resources, Business Services & External Affairs, and Water/Wastewater Operations & Maintenance. Sonoma Water supports the concept of environmental sustainability, focusing on renewable power sources, and strives to be a leader in its water use efficiency and fishery restoration programs.
Employees of Sonoma Water are employees of a special district and are not subject to the provisions of the Civil Service Ordinance of the County of Sonoma. The formal title for this position is Water Agency Program Specialist I.
Minimum Qualifications
Education & Experience: Any combination of education, training, and experience which would provide the required knowledge and abilities listed. Normally, this would include college level course work in water related science, environmental studies, environmental law, education, political science, communications, public relations, or a closely related field; and one year of experience in the implementation of water-related programs in one or more of the following areas: community relations, public outreach, media, water use efficiency technology, teaching methods consistent with state-wide educational standards, and/or legislative processes at the federal and state level.
License: Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California, may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Working knowledge of: principles, practices and methods of water use efficiency and natural resource conservation; strategies and methods for effective educational program programs, methods of conservation program implementation and monitoring, including plumbing efficiency, landscaping and turf, and urban and non-urban water reuse; principles and techniques of establishing and maintaining effective public relations; English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation; fundamentals of mass communication, public speaking, journalism, and social media; principles of graphic design and production; and techniques and methods of research, report writing and preparation of informational materials.
Some knowledge of: environmental principles and operation of water supply facilities and distribution systems; methods of water treatment and recycling, landscape design and installation practices; California State Science Standards; California Water Codes and related laws; environmental regulations and environmental enhancement and restoration methods related to operation and construction of water supply, flood control, renewable energy, recycled water, and wastewater treatment facilities; forecasting and statistics and their application in analysis; group dynamics as it relates to public organizations; modern office methods, procedures, and equipment, including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
Ability to: plan, develop, organize, and implement a wide variety of water-related programs; negotiate agreements with various agencies and special interests to facilitate program activities; speak effectively and persuasively before diverse groups; establish effective working relationships with other staff and with persons possessing a wide variety of divergent views; write and edit written materials for publication; compile concise reports, letters, newsletters and other written materials; coordinate educational and informational seminars and workshops; prepare and disseminate information to media and others; prepare a wide range of clear, concise, and informative reports, correspondence, and brochures; operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications; use the internet and social media to enhance public outreach.
Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying
- Your application information and your responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the entire selection process.
- You should list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application. Be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.
- You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one employer, list out each position separately.
- Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.
Responses to supplemental questions will be scored using position-specific criteria. Please provide specific and detailed responses of a reasonable length to allow for a thorough assessment of your qualifications. Responses that state "See Resume" or "See Application" may be considered insufficient and therefore may not be scored.
The selection procedure will consist of the following examination:
An Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination(weight 100%) will be conducted to evaluate each applicant's application and supplemental questionnaire for satisfaction of minimum qualifications (pass/not pass); and for educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities which relate to this position. Each applicant will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Relevance of work history, related experience, and achieved level of education and/or training as described in the application and responses to the supplemental questions.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A background investigation is required prior to employment. Candidates referred to departments for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling such an investigation. Failure to sign prescribed forms will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy. Reference information will not be made available to applicants.
Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer is contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter. You may also review the Job Classification Screening Schedule to determine the requirements for this position.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications are accepted online at www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org. Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-565-3770), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be RECEIVED by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.
The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.
HR Analyst: JT
HR Technician: KK
